Animals In Winter

 As an extension to our research project, we have been chatting lately about the word 'change', and how 'change' effects not only us, but animals and the environment around us. This has led to some interesting discussions about how we 'change' to survive in winter, as well as what animals will do. We spent some time discussing that animals will do one of three different strategies in order to survive the cold winter. They will hibernate, migrate or adapt. 

We initially chatted about how animals will hibernate as a strategy in order to survive during winter. The Kiddoes enjoyed learning about true hibernators (i.e. frogs, snakes) and what I like to call 'fake' hibernators (i.e. bears, squirrels). It was fun to learn some big science words (torpor - animals who will wake from hibernation to eat & hibernaculum - what a ball of snakes are called when they hibernate).

Next, we chatted about migration and learned about a few animals who utilize this strategy in the winter. The Kiddoes were intrigued by the photo of Canadian geese and wisely asked, "Why do they fly in a v?" After explaining this phenomenon to them, out into the hallway we went to experiment ourselves with this amazing strategy. We definitely had a few laughs, but now carry a new appreciation for those animals that migrate in the winter.

Finally, we spent some time discussing the last strategy an animal may do in winter...... ADAPT. After discussing how we adapt for the winter (get different clothing, store garden food & bring out shovels) we talked about some of the ways animals may adapt for the winter. We talked about how they will grow more fur, may use camouflage, store food and add extra layers of fat for warmth.

Armed with all this new information, it is time to apply it to our research project and finally finish the after Christmas tree!!!